As top bicycle accident lawyers in Missouri, we know the challenges that injured cyclists face when trying to secure the compensation they deserve. If you suffered serious injuries in a bike accident caused by someone else, we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Bicycles offer an enjoyable, inexpensive, and eco-friendly way to get around the city. However, they provide very little in the way of rider protection, meaning that cyclists are incredibly vulnerable to devastating injuries—especially in bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles. And, unfortunately, many cyclists’ losses don’t end there.
When cyclists are involved in serious bike crashes, the injuries they sustain are likely to be devastating and, in some cases, life-threatening. They may require a range of expensive medical treatments, including hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation, all of which require them to miss work. In some cases, they are unable to return to the same line of work.
When it’s all said and done, the losses can be tremendous. Without financial resources, they may be unable to afford the medical care or respite they require to fully recover. Luckily, injured cyclists may be eligible to pursue compensation through a bicycle accident lawsuit.
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else, it’s a good idea to solicit legal advice from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. This article will explain everything you need to know about bicycle accident lawyers in Missouri, including common causes of bike accidents, resulting injuries, steps to take after an accident, and how to pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Understanding Bicycle Accident Injuries in Missouri
With scenic and well-maintained bike routes like the Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail, Missouri is an ideal destination for cyclists across the country. However, cycling in the Show Me State isn’t limited to rural areas; bikes are a popular mode of transportation in large cities like St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City, as well.
According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, more than 100 bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized road users die in traffic accidents each year. Many of these fatal accidents involve speed, distractions, and impairment, but those aren’t the only factors to look at when considering causation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
There were 966 bicycle accident fatalities in the U.S. in 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This represents a major public health concern, as bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular vehicle for recreation, commute, and exercise. Although bicycle accidents occur for a wide variety of reasons, many happen for one of the following causes:
- Low visibility. Compared to motor vehicles, bicycles are small and can be difficult to see on the road. Like motorcyclists, bike riders of conventional bicycles can protect themselves by wearing bright colors and using reflective devices.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents, including car wrecks that involve bicycles. To keep themselves and others safe on the road, drivers should abstain from using cellphones, eating and drinking, adjusting media, and any other activity that diverts their attention away from the road.
- Road conditions. Poorly maintained roads that are marked by uneven surfaces, potholes, and other inconsistencies represent a significant danger to cyclists, as well as to e-scooter, e-bike, and hoverboard riders. Weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, and fog can exacerbate road conditions and present distinct perils to cyclists.
- Failure to yield. When motorists fail to yield to cyclists who have the right of way, the results can be devastating. It’s essential for drivers to remember that they share the road with much more vulnerable travelers and to scan for cyclists, pedestrians, and other riders before merging.
Needless to say, bicycles and cyclists do not fare well when they come into contact with motor vehicles. The lack of structural protection puts them at higher risk for not only sustaining injuries, but also for sustaining severe or life-threatening ones.
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Similar to the causes of bike accidents, the resulting injuries from these incidents can vary widely. The following are among the most common types of injuries that cyclists sustain:
Head injuries. Head injuries are, unfortunately, common occurrences in bicycle accidents, especially when a cyclist is thrown from their bike. Whereas some only result in mild concussions, others cause more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Spinal injuries. Bicycle accidents can cause spinal injuries, especially in the neck and back, that have life-altering consequences. Spine injury victims often experience chronic pain as a result of their accidents and may also become disabled and, if the spinal cord is damaged, even paralyzed.
Broken bones. Broken bones are common among injured bicyclists, and frequently occur in the wrists, hands, arms, and legs, as falling riders often use their limbs to attempt to break their falls.
Abrasions, cuts, and bruising. Superficial wounds may not sound serious, but they can lead to painful injuries and infections that result in sickness and life-long scars. Road rash is particularly dangerous, especially when it occurs in large swaths, as it becomes easily infected.
Internal bleeding. Internal bleeding may occur when a cyclist is thrown violently from their bike or struck by a motor vehicle. These injuries can be life-threatening and often require prolonged medical treatments.
Additionally, bicycle accident victims of particularly serious crashes may develop mental health issues stemming from the traumatic event. These can include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—all of which should be taken seriously and treated with the appropriate psychological services.
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A former insurance defense lawyer, personal injury attorney Tom Wilmowski prides himself on using his inside knowledge of the insurance industry to obtain maximum value — and often more — for his clients.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
In the moments following any accident, it can be challenging to think clearly and strategize. If you are a cyclist in Missouri, it may be helpful to commit to memory some important steps to take in the direct aftermath of an accident. Here’s what we suggest:
- Move out of the road. If possible, it’s important to get yourself off of the street and away from traffic to avoid being struck by vehicles.
- Call 911 for emergency treatment. Even if you suspect your injuries are minor, it’s critically important to be seen by a medical professional right away. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, aren’t immediately apparent but are nonetheless life-threatening. Plus, seeking immediate medical treatment can aid your legal claim if you decide to pursue a bicycle accident lawsuit.
- Collect evidence. If your injuries allow, try to commit to memory or take pictures and video of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, your injuries, and the road on which it occurred. If there are witnesses present, try to get their names and contact information, as they may be able to provide valuable eyewitness testimony.
- Call the police. It’s important to call the police after you’ve been in an accident, not because of criminal wrongdoing (although that may also play a role), but so they can write up an official accident report. This document will serve as important evidence when pursuing an injury claim.
- Contact a personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling bicycle accident claims and can help you pursue a legal claim with confidence and efficiency. They will take on numerous key tasks, including pinpointing liability, collecting evidence, calculating damages, making a settlement demand, negotiating with insurance companies, and more.
Ultimately, the most important thing to do in the aftermath of a serious accident is to ensure your immediate safety. Next, it’s critical to contact a legal professional who can advise you on the next best steps.
Compensation for Bicyclists Hurt in Crashes
If you decide to pursue a bicycle accident lawsuit, you may be able to secure compensation for various damages. As a type of personal injury lawsuit, bike accident claims may collect both economic and non-economic damages.
Potential Damages for Cyclists
Whereas the former refers to easily calculable financial losses, non-economic damages compensate a plaintiff for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. Here are a few of the damages you may be able to recover with help from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer:
- Medical expenses, including costs of treatment, medication, specialist visits, counseling, future accident-related medical bills, and more
- Lost wages, including wages, vacation time, and any other benefit you would have received through your employment
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and discomfort, as well as emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life, including lost enjoyment of hobbies, social, and recreational activities you no longer enjoy as a result of your accident
- Loss of consortium, if you are no longer able to provide the type of companionship and support to your loved ones as you could before the accident.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential damages but rather a few examples of what you might be able to recover. To understand all of your recoverable damages, speak to a bicycle accident lawyer about your case.
Determining Fault in Bicycle Accident Cases
One of the most essential aspects of any personal injury claim is determining fault. In other words, you need to be able to pinpoint the person who caused your accident before you can pursue damages from them. A bike accident attorney can be your best advocate in this venture, investigating the details of your accident and reviewing police reports, camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and more.
Tom Wilmowski: Top Bike Accident Lawyer in St. Louis
If you suffered injuries in a bike accident caused by someone else, you shouldn’t be footing the bill for your recovery. Fortunately, Tom Wilmowski can help. Contact our law firm online or call us at (314) 860-1644 to schedule a free case evaluation with a dedicated and compassionate bicycle accident attorney today.
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